Is Pep Guardiola Finished? Shocking Stats Reveal City's Decline

It seems that Pepe Guardiola's touch is running out as this Sunday he reached six games without a win after losing by a score of 2-0 to Liverpool but the most serious thing is his way of playing as in this game Manchester City could have their first shot on goal until the 39th minute of the first half which was the club's latest action since 2010 which shows that they are at their worst moment in almost 15 years.

Manchester City's Darkest Hours: When the Sky Blues Struggled

Manchester City, now synonymous with Premier League dominance, has not always enjoyed the unparalleled success they have in recent years. Like any football club, they've faced their fair share of challenges and setbacks. This article delves into some of the most challenging periods in the club's history, exploring the factors that contributed to these difficult times.

The Pre-Abu Dhabi Era

Before the Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover in 2008, Manchester City were a mid-table Premier League side, often struggling to compete with the established elite. The club's financial constraints limited their ability to attract top talent, and their fans endured many years of disappointment. The late 1990s and early 2000s were particularly difficult periods, with the club flirting with relegation on several occasions.

The Post-Takeover Transition

While the Abu Dhabi takeover promised a bright future, the initial years of the new era were far from smooth. The club's rapid spending on players led to a somewhat chaotic squad, and a series of managerial changes hindered the club's progress. Although there were glimpses of promise, it took several years for City to build a team capable of challenging for major honors.

The Roberto Mancini Era: Near Misses

Under Roberto Mancini, Manchester City enjoyed a period of relative success, winning their first Premier League title in 2012. However, the Italian manager's tenure was also marked by periods of inconsistency. Despite winning the FA Cup in 2011 and the Community Shield in 2012, Mancini was unable to build a team capable of consistently challenging for both domestic and European honors. His departure in 2013 came as a surprise to many fans.

The Manuel Pellegrini Era: A Steady Hand

Manuel Pellegrini succeeded Mancini and brought a more pragmatic and experienced approach to the club. Under his guidance, City finished second in the Premier League on two occasions and reached the Champions League semi-finals. However, despite his success, Pellegrini was unable to deliver the Champions League trophy that the club's ambitious owners craved.

Recent Setbacks

Even in recent years, Manchester City have faced their fair share of challenges. The club's failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages in the 2017-18 season was a major setback. Additionally, City have faced criticism for their perceived lack of depth in certain areas of the squad, and their inability to consistently dominate matches in the Champions League.

Factors Contributing to Difficult Periods

Several factors have contributed to Manchester City's difficult periods:

• Managerial instability: The club has gone through a number of managerial changes, which has made it difficult to build a consistent team identity.
• Financial constraints: Before the Abu Dhabi takeover, the club's financial limitations restricted their ability to compete with the Premier League's elite.
• Pressure to succeed: The expectation to win trophies has created immense pressure on players and managers.
• Injuries and suspensions: Key injuries and suspensions have disrupted City's momentum on several occasions.
• Tactical challenges: Opponents have become increasingly adept at neutralizing City's attacking threat, forcing the club to adapt their tactics.